A new office at URI is helping foster experiential learning for thousands of students, faculty, and internship partners in Rhode Island and around the globe.

The Office of Experiential Learning and Community Engagement is now the “first step” resource for building student-learning experiences that link theory and practice through internships and community service opportunities.

The goal of the office, directed by Kim Washor, is to simplify the process for all parties—faculty, students, business, non-profit organizations, and governmental partners—to be engaged in hands-on learning, research, and problem-solving. Such learning is a cornerstone of the University’s Academic Plan and the Transformational Goals outlined by President David M. Dooley last year.